Colorado is quite fortunate that the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association builds and maintains a series of high mountain huts open to everyone. For a small fee of $30 a night you get access to a warm hut fully stocked with dishes, stoves, fuel plus beds and pillows. All you have to provide is food, sleeping bags and a little work to build a fire to melt snow for water.
Click this link for more information on the huts.
On December 13 and 14, I joined a group of friends for a weekend at Uncle Buds Hut near Leadville Colorado. We snow showed or skied the 6 miles to the hut located at 11,300’. It has unparalleled views of the five Mt Massive 14,000’ Peaks. Everyone brought a dish and we cooked dinner before have a ton of fun exchanging white elephant Christmas gifts. Then we adjourned to the fire pit to close out the evening. This is the 13th year many have shared in this holiday event and I hope to join them for many more.
Bud winter
The hut was built as a memorial to 10th Mountain Division veteran Bud winter (1925-1945), who was killed in action in Italy during World War II, and was one of 33 soldiers who completed the legendary “trooper traverse” winter ski crossing from Leadville to Aspen in February of 1944. Funds for the hut were given by Bud’s brother, Dr. Fred winter. His sister Laura contributed the proceeds from her poetry book Laura’s Lines.
History
10th Mountain is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that manages a system of 34 backcountry huts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, connected by 350 miles of suggested routes. They provide a unique opportunity for backcountry skiing, mountain biking, or hiking while staying in safe, comfortable shelter.
The name honors the men of 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, who trained during World War II at Camp Hale in central Colorado. Hut visitors share the special spirit of these individuals, especially their pursuit of excellence, self reliance, and love of the outdoors.
This is a video from our weekend
Climb On!
Memories are Everything
Alan
One thought on “Uncle Bud’s Hut: A Colorado Exclusive”
Love the 10th mtn huts, Alan! Bud is one I haven’t been to. Looks wonderful. I’m sure it was a great weekend. Hope your holiday was great and that you have a fantastic new year!
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